By Bruce Bebb, MarCom Director at LightSPEED Technologies, Inc. and former elementary school Principal.
Multimedia instructional technology is fast becoming a standard in today’s classrooms. These A/V tools bring focus to the lessons of the day, allowing all students to see and hear clearly that which is being taught. Multimedia instructional tools aren't simply nice to include or reserved for affluent districts, rather they are an essential part of the educational process. Studies are clear, on-task times and lesson retention increases when enhanced sight and sound presentations are in the mix.
One of the presentation tools receiving considerable attention is classroom amplification technology or CAT. Classroom amplification is defined as a speech intelligibility system that provides clarity of voice and even sound distribution throughout the learning environment. The teacher wears a small infrared microphone to amplify their voice allowing every child to clearly hear the instruction. There is no change in curriculum or teaching methods and training takes only a few minutes. The teac her speaks in normal conversational tones, saving his/her voice, while the students are more engaged in the learning process.
These mini sound systems have been in use in thousands of schools around the country, but only recently have they been considered a core component for the integration of A/V equipment. The trend is gaining momentum as districts are now specifying classroom amplification equipment as part of their instructional technology package, especially in new school construction and modernization projects. Although there are numerous studies showing increased academic achievement when using CAT, it is important to understand how classroom amplification enhances other multimedia instructional technologies as well.
Why does classroom amplification work so well with other instructional technologies?
Computers, LCD projectors, electronic white boards, streaming videos, TVs, CDs, iPods and other audio sources are limited due to speaker size and location in the classroom. The CAT amplifier accepts audio from all of these sources, and delivers a consistent, comfortable volume that is evenly distributed throughout the classroom.
What do educators think about CAT?
Educators at every level are now using multimedia tools to liven up their lesson plans, reach different learning styles and keep students on track. Debra Johnson, Principal at Don Estridge High Tech Middle School in Palm Beach County, Florida, believes that students who are engaged in the instruction through A/V presentations enjoy higher levels of achievement. “When developing the concept of this new high-tech featured school, classroom amplification was the first technology I wanted to install. It's a very valuable tool for us and integrates so wonderfully with other technologies.”
Larry Hicok, a Principal in Rudd-Rockford-Marble School District, Iowa, believes that implementing CAT may have been one of the district's smartest moves. "The implementation of classroom amplification systems may have a more overall direct impact on student learning than any other single piece of technology in the district.”
CAT is all about helping kids learn better.
Engaging the students, any way possible, translates to higher academic achievement.
Since the majority of classroom instruction is still delivered aurally, and multi-media presentations are on the raise, it makes sense to consider classroom amplification as the central building block to any instructional technology package.
Research and technical information regarding classroom amplification technology can be found at www.lightspeed-tek.com/benefits+_+research.aspx.
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